It is a fine summer's day on 23rd December 2022, as the bicyclists (does that mean they are LQBTI+ and ride 'bikes' as we used to call them?) met to reflect on the calendar year 2022, at their usual cafe, the Jet Service Station.
It was noticeable that the café had transmogrified, with a bench seat, and more open cash register area, and the prices had climbed to $5.50 for a standard cup of coffee. I expected a gift of a bottle of 12 year old (at least) Rum in acknowledgement to our group's fidelity. "Ask not what Little Miss can do for you..." (apologies to JF Kennedy)
An uncertain year in some respects, the man above (Image) reflects the bicyclists' work ethic for 2022, and what lies in store for the future.
Chief amongst those under the hammer in 2022 was Merv, pictured here endeavouring to hear Stephen from the other side of the table, under the dictatorship of P Larkey, telling us "shhhoosh, we are all shouting". Not at school anymore Peter, but your 1st warning was received with a brash rebuff, yet the tone descended to 116db.
Merv has been our guinea pig for the year, having travelled where only Putin would normally go in battle fatigues, but also across Bass Strait, and up to France, and many places and entertainment venues.
PK comfortable in the café, having had the experience of 3 months in Canada mid year, no doubt at a time whilst the LGBTI+ bicyclists were riding out to Mona.
Porter in pensive mode commented that it was an unusual sight for one of our number to arrive for coffee, actually on a bicycle. PK was chided and released on bail. "Walk or drive, otherwise you show up the rest of us".
Captain Peter recently returned from his 2nd (at least) journey to King Island, getting ready to relax at home for Christmas day, and around the pool - so recently renovated and standing ready for a GFC Luncheon (or maybe a simpler LGBTI+ Bicyclists Luncheon) during January.
Jeff too pondering the grammatical errors in some of the riders' speech, exercised discretion and made light of the shame, disgrace and hurt bled on to him by association.
Miles returned from dog minding his neighbour's house and animals, and kept a close watch on the group, to ensure harmonious relations were maintained.
And Stephen reported on the ongoing success and enjoyment of reaping the rewards of risk taking in the hospitality economy.
Tony K Kozlow was missed on the day, being elsewhere, and thus probably enjoying himself. He is 2nd from right in the image below, enjoying scones and cream at the Shot Tower back in 2019:
All that said, happy Christmas is the point of the exercise. And the above is just made up codswallop. Perhaps we should consider In Search of Lost Time, also translated as Remembrance of Things Past, a novel in seven parts by Marcel Proust, from 1913 to 1927. The novel is the story of Proust's own life, told as an allegorical search for truth.
it is said that he spent most of his life in bed writing, as the existential world held little joy for him.
Now compare that to Erik Satie, who likewise spent long periods in doors, eating only white food (eg chicken, not beef, white bread, fish) and lived in a room with two white pianos - one on top of the other!
For your enjoyment: Erik's 'Gymnopedie'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnacdOIoTBQ
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